NOAA Memories

[Kyt]

Some excellent stories and letters from members of the US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

Since the time of the Civil War, NOAA ancestor agencies have provided their expertise in support of our armed services. The Armed Forces require maps, charts, weather forecasts, surveyors, oceanographers, and navigators to plan operations, transport men and materiel, and help put ordnance on target. The men and women of NOAA’s ancestor agencies have provided much of that vital information to the Armed Services, sometimes from the homefront but oftentimes in the frontlines sharing the hardships and dangers of America’s soldiers, sailors, and marines. The following recall some of their experiences and sacrifices....


The Coast and Geodetic Survey and the Weather Bureau answered the call to arms during both the First World War and the Second World War. The field officers of the Survey were converted to commissioned status by virtue of a law that allowed them to be transferred directly into the branches of the Armed Services. Over half of them were transferred directly into the Armed Forces during both conflicts. The civilian weather observers, laborers, meteorologists, cartographers, scientists and administrators of both the Weather Bureau and Coast and Geodetic Survey alike signed up in droves to fight the enemies of the United States. Over 1100 personnel of the Coast and Geodetic Survey and 700 members of the Weather Service voluntarily joined the fighting forces of the United States during the Second World War. Both organizations contributed greatly to the final victories – the Coast and Geodetic Survey through its maps, charts, field survey, and intelligence gathering and the Weather Service through world-wide weather forecasts, climate studies, and special weather products to help plan the movements of men, ships and aircraft.

Below are some of the amazing stories of the men and women who served our Nation in these times of crisis….

NOAA History - A Nation at War/World Wars